Once known as the Western Capital, Dazaifu is a peaceful temple town that makes for an easy day visit from Fukuoka. While the city’s iconic temples, particularly the popular Tenmangu Shrine, are its hallmark, Dazaifu also showcases its Buddhist roots, tranquil Zen rock gardens, an outstanding national museum and plentiful hiking on Mount Homan.
Start your Dazaifu wanderings at the well-known Tenmangu Shrine, a favorite of local high school students who flock here to pray for passing grades on their university entrance exams. The shrine is dedicated to the famous scholar Sugawara Michizane from the Heian Period, who is associated with Tenjin, a Shinto deity of education. The shrine is particularly lovely in the springtime, surrounded by plum and cherry blossoms. Grab a snack or sweet treat on the street leading to Tenmangu Shrine, where shops sell fried mochi rice cakes and green tea and black sesame ice cream.
From here, move on to Komyozenji, a Zen temple just south of Tenmangu. Dating back to the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), the temple boasts gorgeous Japanese gardens and two abstract rock gardens in the front and rear of the temple. Maple trees hanging over the rock gardens give a vibrant fall foliage show to November visitors.
Spend an afternoon at the massive Kyushu National Museum, where you’ll find temporary special exhibits as well as permanent exhibitions on Kyushu and Dazaifu and their roles in Asian history. Don’t miss the extensive ceramics collection, as well as an exhibit of 75 hand-drawn cards from the Edo Period. Kids love the first-floor Ajippa room, with games and hands-on exhibits from several Asian cultures.
Get into Dazaifu’s surrounding nature with a hike up Mount Homan. Start up the well-maintained trail from Kamado Shrine, hiking for about 2.5 hours to the summit. From this vantage point, you’ll have rewarding views across Dazaifu and Fukuoka and have the opportunity to visit Kamado’s mountaintop shrine.
Reach Dazaifu by train from downtown Fukuoka. Board the Nishitetsu Line, changing trains at Futsukaichi. The ride is about a half-hour long.
